Office of the Historian

Mr. Wright to Mr. Seward.

No. 41.]
Legation of the United States, Berlin, July 5, 1866.

Sir: This moment we have the startling news by telegraph that Francis Joseph has ceded Venetia to the Emperor Napoleon; with this telegraph we also receive information that Napoleon had communicated this act of Francis Joseph to the Kings of Prussia and Italy, at the same time requesting what is equivalent to a suspension of hostilities.

It is believed by many that the great success of the Prussian army over the Austrians (since my last) will cause Prussia to decline the Emperor’s proposition in the present position of affairs, but a contrary opinion is entertained by those best qualified to judge of the action of his Majesty’s government.

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The King with his confidential adviser, Count Bismarck, is still in Bohemia, near the army. The elections this week for members of the Prussian chambers by the electors chosen last week has resulted, as was anticipated, in a decided majority for the liberal party.

I regret, by some oversight, the enclosed copy of the royal decree of his Majesty relative to merchant vessels of enemies in time of war was not forwarded at the time; doubtless it has been received ere this, through the Prussian minister, Baron Gerolt.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH A. WRIGHT.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Royal decree of 19th May, 1866, relative to capture and confiscation of merchant vessels of enemies.

On the propositions of the minister of state I declare that, in event of war, merchant vessels belonging to subjects of hostile states shall not be subjected to capture and confiscation by my ships of war so long as reciprocity be practiced by the hostile states.

The preceding decree has no application to such vessels as would be subject to capture and confiscation, even if they were neutral ships.

Let this, my decree, be published in the Law Register.

WILHELM.

Berlin, May 19, 1866.